Why I traded my GMC Yukon for a Toyota Sequoia

[@papabear4066]

Sequoia 2013 platinum on 120k miles. Unbeatable monster!

[@muria64]

That model year sequoia is far superior in terms of long term durability and reliability. That’s the one to keep forever! Newest ones with the v6 are junk.

[@vivianashley3482]

I wish I had seen all your videos prior to buying a 2015 Yukon Denali. I purchased mine 3 years ago and it has had nothing but problems and a lot of different problems than what I’ve seen in your videos. My truck has 180K. I’m stuck with it due to the amount I owe on.

[@MichaelB-u9e]

We had a 2008 TUNDRA CREW CAB 5.7 . Never had a motor or Transmission issue even after towing for years as it became a work truck. It made it to 400k miles before being traded in. Still had really good power and shifted SO smooth! Quality is amazing . I like the Yukon better when working personally but I do believe the sequoia is better in every way and will not give headaches . The tundra never was in shop , no leaks and the second half of its life was HARD CONSTRUCTION. The shocks went bad that’s all @ around 340k miles . & yes gas was 13-14 city 17-18 highway

[@jamesward1264]

Really appreciate that summary. I’m also looking for a larger family SUV with a bit more space for road trips, had been looking at 2015-2020 tahoes/yukons since that’s what’s in our price range. I agree it looks better, but I don’t have the time, mechanical knowledge (or patience) to sort out everything you went through on the Yukon - this comparison was helpful, and I’ll be adding the sequoia to the list!

[@MrOiram46]

My uncle’s 2011 Seqouia has been a roadtrip warrior across west and east coast, and back a few times on top of being a daily since he brought it new. It hasn’t had any major issues yet (knock on wood) so it’s a very reliable generation given proper, basic maintenance. It does guzzle gas but it’s better than having to bring it to shops for big repair bills like with its competitors.

[@i3oosted]

I’m in the same boat as you right now. I love the look, power, and interior of the 15+ Denalis, but they’re turds now. I’m looking for a big suv to tow a trailer with my family to parks etc. the Sequoia is big loud and not as aesthetic. It’s low tech even in the platinum trim. No push to start or keyless?… in 2016 but it will take you anywhere and not fail for hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal maintenance. It’s either that or a 09-14 Denali/Escalade/Tahoe for me.

[@Dangler83]

I was looking at the Sequoia before I picked up my 2017 Yukon Denali with 28k miles on it. But it was the interior space that made us pick the Yukon over the Sequoia. But now i'm thinking i should've went with the Sequoia, because though the Yukon has more interior room, I still bought a Thule roof box and Stowaway hitch mount box for extended trips. I hear that the later builds are better on the Yukon, and the mechanical issues aren't as often, but they are still prone to the DOD issues and transmission issues. Then again, there are people i've seen in Facebook groups that have 200k-300k miles on the original trans and engine. I guess you got one that was built on a Friday... I think the Yukon can be a long term SUV if you delete the DOD, tune it and go with a billet Torque Converter.

[@rahulrane1658]

Amazing SUV and looks great in white.

[@davidkaminski615]

I think by the end of it's model run, the 2nd gen Sequoia was pretty thoroughly run through in terms of major problems. It's styling is a bit puffy and it does lack a few features the competition have, but overall it's a nice rig that will serve you for years. I've owned an '02 Sequoia for 7 years with 360k miles on it, and beyond giving it a new battery, changing coolant hoses and valve cover gaskets, the engine hasn't been touched. Very confidence inspiring and quietly does its job every day. Sure, at 20+ years old, components are starting to age out and be replaced like alt, rad and suspension, but nothing too surprising so far.

[@JoelMiller-gz1qb]

I have a 2016 Sequoia Limited for my wife/family, and a 2021 Tundra TRD Pro for me. I love them both. Such great vehicles. I agree the Sequoia isn't the the best looking vehicle, but it's super reliable. I swapped out the stock rims for some TRD Offroad rims from a Tundra and put 275/70/18 AT tires on it - makes it look a lot more aggressive.

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

I’ve been looking at TRD Tundra or Sequoia wheels for the tundra. They look great and I think it’s cool they are BBS forged

[@Archgr8]

Auto manufacturers are put under too much stress by the epa/carb to lower emissions. The current generation of vehicles are the most expensive and also the most unreliable vehicles ever built. The manufacturers are also not wasting any time with using this to their advantage. More repairs = more service revenue for the dealerships. More parts sales for the OEMs. The water pump failed on my 2017 Avalon at 63,000 miles. 3,000 miles out of warranty and Toyota gave me the heisman. Now the timing chain cover is leaking. This is an older non hybrid 3.5L engine. Luckily I've spent nothing on the 2015 Yukon Denali we have with 105k miles. Looking at trucks to replace my Avalon or the Yukon but don't want to spend 50k when the two we own are paid off. 50k and even more terrible technology on the latest generation of vehicles. Tough times to be a auto buyer. The leases with warranty coverage the entire time of ownership and gap insurance are looking more and more attractive.

[@benramosactual]

Thank you so much for all of the content you've made along the GMC Yukon journey. I was seriously considering that car until I came across your channel, which led me to take a deeper dive into the endless issues it has. Definitely not buying that car!

[@NJCOP747]

dam and i wanted one

[@prep214]

its the looks factor that keep landrover and stellantis in business

[@westibbs]

Just curious if you considered the Nissan Armada / Infiniti QX80? Almost as powerful and big V8, no DoD, tows even more, nice looking, also Japanese made reliability.

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

@@westibbs it would be another good option. I wasn’t sure if it was like our g35 that I really liked but had some issues electronically and a water pump that was timing chain driven

[@jasonharris3873]

My sister always buys the sequoia and her husband has a Tundra and her son has a 4Runner. I have a 2015 Yukon and have done pretty much all the same regular fixes you did. I still like the GMC better. I had a 4 Runner years ago and it was the worst mechanical problem car I have ever owned. One problem after the next.

[@donrob4058]

Thank you for this video. I am changing my decision to possibly buy an older style Yukon/Tahoe.

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

@@donrob4058 I have a 2000 Silverado and it’s great. If they were still offered exactly how they came in the 2000-2006 I probably would have gotten one.

[@lukyanrosselli]

Thanks for sharing your points❤, it's always sad when changing cars but anyways congrats for the new suv 🎉🔥

[@andyguajardo4785]

Nice Sequoia bro! My brother and brother in law both drive Tacomas and love them. I myself drive a ‘21 Silverado w a 5.3L. Guess I’m the dumb one 😂😂. Got extended warranty on it. So I tell everybody I’m driving it till it breaks. 56K miles on it and no issues yet. Knock on wood.

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

You’re right in that common failure zone so hopefully if (or more likely when) the lifters give you trouble it can be fixed under warranty. This might be good for you to watch whether it’s you or them fixing it DOD AFM Delete Yukon, Tahoe, Silverado, Sierra, Escalade 6.2L & 5.3L Replace cam & lifters Part 1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYjEqqyQfLOMiKs

[@andyguajardo4785]

Thanks for the video. Is she does start going south on me, I’ll probably look/research the new tundras. Take care

[@candykid5135]

i have 08 sequoia sr5 4x4, it's approaching a million miles try that with chevy suburban

[@olinarviso632]

Not sure what you mean, that the Sequoia is very LOUD? Do you mean; the exhaust is Loud, the engine is Loud, the tires running on the highway is Loud, or... etc... How many miles was on your Yukon when you traded it?

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

It’s loud in terms of you start the engine and there is a lot of fan noise, the engine itself, driving- it’s like tank. It honestly sounds like a diesel. It’s also very solid, but louder. It has. 6 speed transmission vs 8 speed in the Yukon (some Yukons have 10 speeds) so it shifts higher and downshifts more aggressively with fewer gears- but it will last. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3i2dH2lhrB-hassi=oE_UifpblM6EeKjt

[@olinarviso632]

@@dannyjohnsonsgarageOK, gotchya

[@Rhettsradcars]

I bought a 2018 SLT Yukon short wheelbase last month it’s been great so far but again I bought it was 31,000 miles and only put 1000 on it I have is how do I turn on automatic beams? I wonder does it have it, do you knowand the other question would I experience the same problems after a certain amount of miles?

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

Yeah, they will all likely have lifter issues and what you see in my playlist (tail lights, transmission harness, thermostat, trim molding- but I can show you how to fix it all For the high beams www.gmc.com/support/vehicle/dashboard-lights-signals/intellibeam-automatic-headlamp-control

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

Yukon / Tahoe / Suburban / Escalade Owner’s manual Bells & whistles kzbin.info/aero/PLIjr-uSYDZi7J7EQ1ErTn1Yzi6ET_3Ssr

[@benjaminhardwick8378]

Dannny if you wanted to keep your Denali and had to do the lifters all over again would you use LS7 lifters or a different aftermarket brand? Anything else you would do differently in that process? Trying to decide if I do it like you did or trade for something else

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

It’s really hard to say. Looking back, perhaps aftermarket lifters and the camshaft would even be better quality than GM ones. I didn’t know which would be better at the time. Usually, OEM is good quality. What I’d didn’t want was to put in something aftermarket to find there is a problem or a different upgrade needed like valve springs or cam phaser lockout. I’d try to find someone at Brian Tooley Racing or a shop who knows a lot about aftermarket and see. There are so many variables of metal shavings, head gasket mating surfaces, the oil pump alignment, o rings sealing etc, that it’s just a difficult call.

[@beaulster]

How long did you own Yukon & I think you said it was a 15 with 50k miles. Is that right? When or miles wise did the lifters go? Thank you!!

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

I owned it for 5 years from 51,000 miles up to 99,000. The lifters went at 94,000 DOD AFM Delete Yukon, Tahoe, Silverado, Sierra, Escalade 6.2L & 5.3L Replace cam & lifters Part 1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYjEqqyQfLOMiKs

[@robertgarcia9302]

Great content, like someone else said earlier I wish I had run into your page sooner. I just purchased a Yukon Denali XL about a month ago. It’s a 2016 with 102k miles and just used for towing my fishing boat. I noticed the transmission shifting hard from 1st to second the day I picked it up off the lot on my way home. It’s didn’t have any issue on our test drive. I called the dealership immediately so at least it was noted and they said they would stand behind the vehicle and to bring back. Well I was 3 hrs away on. 6 hr trip so it would have to wait. I also did some research and saw there a class action lawsuit on the trans omission for shifting issues. Some being hard shifting to loud noises. Did you experience any of these issues? I haven’t had a chance to take the vehicle back to the dealership. Thanks in advance, still watching all the videos you made on your Yukon while you had it. Cheers

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

Mine felt like it was slipping from 1st to second. It later gave a code P0711 for a bad transmission temperature sensor. I changed the harness and added the suggested updated transmission fluid to also fix the shutter problems others suggested. It also turns out the cylinder deactivation is hard on the transmission. I deleted it physically, but you can at least buy the plug in “range disabler” to help in the meantime. It turns 4 cylinder mode off in the computer. I also heard a lot about a transmission thermostat upgrade so it doesn’t overheat the transmission. Here are some videos kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqmklotsmb-VeaMsi=z51uMQpjjhdIIlPR

[@robertgarcia9302]

@@dannyjohnsonsgarage I just saw the video on the tranny hardness. I did get the extended warranty also just in case. Love the am emeneties on my Yukon and horsepower which is why I got it. Thank you for the quick response. Finger crossed I didn’t get myself into a troubled vehicle. Cheers

[@rich.e.1786]

I have a 2016 Denali and had to replace the motor and numerous other things you mentioned. I’m looking at the Sequoia too.

[@alonzokincaid1362]

You came to your senses.

[@robertsmith1768]

Well, as much as I appreciate all the good info I’m stuck now. After coming home from our latest roadtrip I decided it was time for my 2013 F150 to go to a new home and be replaced with a 2018 Denali I found. The truck has been perfect over 110k miles and I don’t want to get trapped into all the problems that you have had, as well as those in the comments. I’m not an Ecoboost fan so I’m avoiding the Expedition. Sequoia it is I guess.

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

It’s rough. There isn’t anything im comfortable with either, but the chance to get a new, old bodystyle Sequoia seemed to be my best bet. So far so good

[@ramaswamynarayanaswamy4806]

Best of luck. The Seqouia is not sold in Qatar unfortunately for the past 7 years, only the Yukon was.

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

I see a lot movies with the Toyota Land Cruiser over in that area. But I bet they are very expensive if you find one

[@ramaswamynarayanaswamy4806]

@@dannyjohnsonsgarage LC/LXs are trashed to horrible extents here. They come with free broken bumpers and nearly breaking suspensions. I see more GMC Yukons than Seqouias, many of the GMCs running to high mileages.

[@310Cowboys]

Best solution for GM vehicles. Buy a 1999-2006 Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra and/or Tahoe/Yukon. Best years and more reliable.

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

I would have gladly bought a low mile one of those as I have a 2000 Silverado, but they are just so old the ac and other things will not work.

[@310Cowboys]

@@dannyjohnsonsgarage My Dad has an 03 Silverado. Luckily for me I work at a Buick GMC Dealership. He payed for a new compressor for $420 from my job. And yes GM Genuine parts. Normally it would have costed $720 if not a bit more. And yes it did worked and it blows ice cold

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

@@310Cowboys yeah, I could have found a low miles one but was worried about all the 10-20 year old rubber bushings, rear main seal, fuel pump- I just wanted something that everything was new and reliable. The 2021 Sequoia fit the bill the best. I was looking for something that wouldn’t take any more of my time for awhile

[@310Cowboys]

@@dannyjohnsonsgarage Toyota is reliable. I’m not so sure about the 2024 and newer.

[@XDMIIIIIIIII]

Is it really any slower?

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

Yeah, the Denali was the 6.2L 420hp/460lb ft. I do notice a difference with the 6 speed instead of the Denali’s 8 speed, but I’ll give it all up for better reliability

[@wyatttheisen5497]

All these videos of these cars being unreliable scares me we own a 2015 Chevy Tahoe with 183,000 miles put 40,000 miles on when we got it and no issues yet hopefully it stays that way lol

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

Ride it until you feel comfortable. Or watch the repair videos and see which repairs you are up to or which you want a shop to perform. Yukon / Tahoe / Suburban / Escalade Owner’s manual Bells & whistles kzbin.info/aero/PLIjr-uSYDZi7J7EQ1ErTn1Yzi6ET_3Ssr

[@RageHP-RageHorsePower]

This is a lt engine not a ls 2015 is the year they went to lt engines

[@SlaneVintageModern]

Yes regular, non DOD lifter fail on my 2017 Tahoe. So yes they are selling junk parts. I’m $4500 into the motor. Cam, lifters, all injectors, rods and rockers, VOLM, thermostat, temp sensor. All new. Also before this the torque converter broke done and destroyed the transmission. So that was $7000. So now I’m $11,000 into this thing. I can’t sell it now. Gotta drive it less. Key is to change oil every 3k miles. I’ll just keep fixing it. Very upset with GM. Will never buy another. Will be a Toyota for sure. GM knows they sell junk because they won’t even do the lifters on these motors. They say they will only replace the engine because the labor to do cam and lifters can a too much labor and might as well replace engine. That’s bull. They just won’t do the lifter because they won’t be able to stand behind a warranty on them, because they know they could fail after 1000 miles. They are having brand new vehicles come into the shop to do warranty work on the lifters with 1000 miles. Bullish!t. I like your videos though man. Good work. Your torque specs and sequence are spot on. You won’t have anything to work on and make videos anymore. You gonna start a cooking channel? lol.

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

Back to Mustang videos lol

[@rdr9519]

Sequoia is like the big pretty girl thats under appreciated for being "less appealing" than the other nice SUV's in the market😅 just not the new twin turbo Sequoia, hasn't proved itself and doesn't look promising

[@prep214]

11K miles? congrats.. 200k on a sequoia is mid life

[@DustinKeating-yk3vq]

The afm is the most trash thing GM ever did to there v8 engines straight garbage

[@chadialmir8621]

Bro why did you do that

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

I struggled with it for 6 months. I knew my way around the Yukon very well now and if it was a Mustang for me I would have kept it going. For a family I had to say uncle and get something reliable for them. The best new vehicle is the outgoing sequoia

[@Octanejunkiess]

Well between Reddit and a lot of others videos we will be staying away from GM trucks

[@lsmith3907]

1st year vehicles suck. 2018-20 are the best yukons

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

Unfortunately, you won’t find too much change from 2015-2020, and will find many of the same problems

[@lsmith3907]

@@dannyjohnsonsgarage Actually, they changed quite a bit including fixing the buffetting, ac compressors, tail lights, 10 speed, the grill, the whole dash electronics. Not that they are perfect by any means, but they did take care of a lot of the ticky tack stuff the 15-17 had. GM always screws over 1st year owners IMO, then fixes the issues with the refresh. That Sequoia should last forever though as they dont have much tech to fail. Good luck and keep updating on the new rig...

[@jakeapplegate8943]

​@lsmith3907 I have a 2018 Yukon I bought brand new, has 29k miles on it and lifters just went out last week. Let me know if you are interested in buying it!

[@JS-su5dz]

Toyota Sequoia is for short people only, and the 3rd row/ trunk space is a joke. It’s useless for large families.

[@Chris.Lewis1456]

What lol. Im 6'5 and my Sequoia is fine. Ive rode in the 3rd row on roadtrips . The trunk space with the 3rd row isn't great but the sequoia seats and overall room, towing capacity, and aftermarket support not to mention the Sequoia will go half a million+ miles with no major issues makes it a no brainier.

[@JS-su5dz]

@@Chris.Lewis1456 , enjoy your car then, LOL. My husband’s head was almost touching the ceiling while test-driving Sequoia, maybe because his body is built differently from yours, you know. Plus, the trunk space is important for LARGE families.

[@Chris.Lewis1456]

@@JS-su5dz If it was an SR5 it might have not had electronic seats I have a limited and my seat goes all the way down. My wife has a GX460 and I feel like that seat doesn't go far down enough and my head almost hits the top

[@JS-su5dz]

@@Chris.Lewis1456 , it was 2024 TRD PRO at the lowest seat setting. I guess my my husband’s torso is too long for Japanese-made cars.

[@Chris.Lewis1456]

​@@JS-su5dzyeah you're talking about the brand new ones The redesign sucks they're way smaller than the previous generation I have an older Sequoia and it's a great vehicle

[@paulciprus9582]

I would never buy GM….have always bought Ford…never had a major problem….GM….yuk….😮.

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

I’m a big ford guy as well, but I’m not happy with the ecoboost from cam phasers, turbos, and turbo line leaks. If the expedition was a 5.0 I may have considered it

[@legendary351]

Traitor!! Lol 😆😆

[@alonzokincaid1362]

Now the gmc can go to the junk yard where it belongs.

[@v6wells]

Toyotas are ugly

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

Very. But they are also reliable

[@blaineguertin2857]

Well Toyotas thinking is if isn't broken, dont fix it...and if it is then do it right. Ya my 2013 Sequoia has a load running fan, but so does my 2003 chevy with the 8.1. So not sure what the issue would be.

[@AnnoyedDinosaur-nb9eb]

how is my bro hope ok my 15 model is gmc i have made its engine but it is mising no fall in harba its problem is solved what is the method pls i have my no. Also send this is my WhatsApp number. Please tell me how to do it